Now in its sixth year, the PlayStation 5 has amassed an impressive library of epic adventures, intense shooters, and even some charming platformers. Whether you’ve had the console for years or are just joining the current generation, here are 15 games we believe deserve a spot in your PlayStation collection.
Astro Bot
Sony’s gorgeous 3D platformer follows the titular space robot, who is stranded on a distant planet with hundreds of his adorable friends. To rebuild his mothership, he must retrieve its scattered parts, each guarded by a vibrant cast of bosses.
Why we love it: “It’s one of the best platformers I’ve ever played—and as a child of the ’90s, I’ve truly played a ton of them.”
Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the greatest fantasy role-playing games of the modern era, offering players nearly as much narrative and imaginative freedom as a tabletop Dungeons & Dragons campaign as they battle the formidable mind flayers.
Why we love it: “It’s a towering landmark of an RPG, bustling with life, brimming with scope, and bursting with imagination.”
Blue Prince
After inheriting your family’s mansion, you’re challenged to find the hidden Room 46. But every step counts, and each night the entire layout reshuffles, sending you back to the start. It’s a brilliantly unique and mind-bending puzzle game.
Why we love it: “You’ll scribble down hints, set goals for future runs, or—as I did—take copious screenshots of the letters, photographs, and other artifacts found throughout.”
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Set in a land inspired by Belle Époque France, heroes embark on a quest to defeat a cruel god who has imposed arbitrary death for centuries. This multi-award-winning role-playing adventure boasts stunning style and genuine emotional depth.
Why we love it: “From combat to enemy design to music, I appreciated Clair Obscur’s flair for the epic.”
Death Stranding 2
Hideo Kojima shifts his metaphysical post-apocalyptic thriller to Australia, where Sam must rescue his kidnapped Bridge Baby while reconnecting society and saving the environment. It’s a fascinating and stylish adventure.
Why we love it: “Combat feels punchier, the world map more handcrafted, and the missions more varied.”
Demon’s Souls
Before Dark Souls, there was FromSoftware’s original hack-and-slash masterpiece: a dark, dread-filled fight through the ruined kingdom of Boletaria. This remake thoughtfully updates the visuals, combat, and structure to create something both new and equally deadly.
Why we love it: “One of the most quietly significant games of the 2000s has been transformed here into a visually incredible, endlessly rewarding dark fantasy.”
Elden Ring
A grandiose fantasy epic from the creators of Dark Souls, filled with breathtaking landscapes, strange characters, and seemingly impossible bosses. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, it becomes a challenging and engrossing open world like no other.
Why we love it: “This is a massive world, astonishingly rendered—where the sun and moon wheel in the sky, casting each scene anew—and seemingly limitless in its creative diversity. It is an unrivalled feat of design and inventiveness.”
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
This rejuvenated role-playing experience expands the beloved story into a vast, reimagined world, blending nostalgic moments with thrilling new adventures and a deep, engaging combat system.Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Photo: Square Enix
This second part of Square Enix’s remake of Final Fantasy VII follows ecowarrior Cloud Strife and his team as they get closer to their archenemy, Sephiroth. Blending real-time and turn-based gameplay, this is a classic role-playing adventure, completely refreshed for modern players.
Why we love it: “Longtime fans will eagerly devour every bit of fan service here, savoring every extra moment with this beloved cast.” Read the full review.
Ghost of Yotei. Photo: Sony/Sucker Punch
The long-awaited sequel to the stylish samurai adventure Ghost of Tsushima follows a new character, Atsu, on her quest for revenge after her family is killed. This historical epic is bloody, engaging, and stunning to look at.
Why we love it: “Even after many hours, I still feel a thrill whenever Atsu deliberately draws her sword at the start of a fight. I’ll be sad when it’s over.” Read the full review.
God of War Ragnarök. Photo: AP
The sequel to Sony Santa Monica’s acclaimed reboot of the mythological action series. This time, hero Kratos and his teenage son explore the frozen lands of Scandinavia to find a lost god and stop the end of the world.
Why we love it: “There are few interpretations of ancient mythology as gripping, detailed, and imaginative as this, in video games or any other medium.” Read the full review.
ARC Raiders. Photo: Embark Studios
A sci-fi extraction shooter set on a ruined planet where players team up to fight aggressive robots—or turn on each other for valuable loot. With a large fanbase, it’s set to be a major co-op online game throughout 2026.
Why we love it: “After every successful extraction, I want to jump right back in for more. I want more close calls, accidental explosions, and terrifying runs through ruined cities.” Read the full review.
The Last of Us Parts I and II Remastered. Photo: Sony Computer Entertainment
Teenager Ellie and hardened survivor Joel fight their way across a post-apocalyptic America, searching for a cure to a zombifying fungal infection—and then face the consequences of what they find. Updated for PS5, Naughty Dog’s brutal yet beautiful adventures are landmarks for the industry.
Why we love it: “Experiencing this brutal adventure again, with enhanced visuals and haptics, was just as exhausting, moving, and powerful as my first playthrough.” Read the full review.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Photo: Sony
Peter Parker and Miles Morales team up to defeat Venom and a group of supervillains threatening their lives, loved ones, and all of New York City.
Why we love it: “It’s a genuine pleasure to play something so lovingly crafted and true to its source material. It’s a game every PS5 owner should experience.” Read the full review.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Photo: Insomniac Games
Two furry heroes travel between worlds to defeat an evil galactic emperor in a visually stunning multiverse adventure.
Why we love it: “This is a blissfully straightforward cartoon sci-fi escape… Everything you do feels great and immerses you with sensory feedback, whether through visuals, sound, or the controller’s haptic rumble.” Read the full review.
Returnal. Photo: Sony Computer Entertainment
After crash-landing on a hostile alien planet, sole survivor Selene must escape a nightmarish cycle of life and death.She must escape. A merciless time loop shooter. Why we love it: “It’s unforgiving and sometimes disheartening, but also intriguing, mysterious, and simply glorious to play.” Read the full review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about The 15 MustPlay PS5 Games for 2026 written in a natural conversational tone
General Beginner Questions
Q What makes a game a mustplay for the PS5
A Its a game that truly takes advantage of the PS5s poweroffering stunning graphics fast loading immersive DualSense controller features and a fantastic memorable experience you cant easily get elsewhere
Q Are these games only for hardcore gamers
A Not at all A good mustplay list includes a variety of genres for different skill levels and interests from epic storydriven adventures to fun accessible games you can enjoy with friends or family
Q Where can I find this official list for 2026
A Lists like this are typically compiled by major gaming websites magazines or influencers around the end of 2025start of 2026 Theyre not an official Sony list but a consensus from critics and players
Q Do I need a PS5 Pro or special equipment to play these
A No These games will be designed to run beautifully on the standard PS5 A PS5 Pro might offer enhanced performance or visuals but it wont be a requirement
Q Will all these games be brand new releases in 2026
A Not necessarily The list will likely include some of the biggest new blockbusters of 2026 but also outstanding games from 2024 or 2025 that are still essential to play
Practical Purchase Questions
Q How much will it cost to play all these games
A It can add up quickly as new PS5 games often cost 6999 A great way to save is with a PlayStation Plus ExtraPremium subscription which gives you access to a large library of games including many past mustplays
Q Which game should I start with if Im new to the PS5
A Look for a game that matches your favorite genre Also start with a title known for being a technical showcase for the PS5its a great way to be wowed by what the console
